10 players NBA front offices will be watching during the NCAA Tournament

This is not a great year for fans who want to use the NCAA Tournament for scouting purposes for the NBA Draft. Two of his consensus top six picks in this June's NBA Draft are playing in March Madness. Foreign players (Zachary Lizacher and Alex Sarr) are at the top of the draft committee, and others such as Matas Bouselis also come from the G League Ing Knights.

However, there are opportunities even in years that are generally considered draft down. Showing something special under the bright lights of March can help a player move up draft boards higher than in previous years. Each team is looking for players to bet on in this draft. This is an opportunity for players to show they are worth the risk. Here are 10 players that NBA front offices, and by extension NBA fans, should keep an eye on. (This list is in roughly the agreed-upon order of when players are drafted).

Cody Williams, 6'8″ forward, Colorado

Perhaps one of the first two American-born players taken in the draft (along with Duke's Rob Dillingham), Cody is the younger brother of Oklahoma City standout Jaylen Williams and a top-five pick. He seems like a candidate for the top spot. Fans of teams that are struggling are the ones to keep an eye on. He is a versatile and impressive wing defender who makes good use of his 7-foot wingspan. Williams has great handles, is a strong passer, can play fast and in the half court, and has a high IQ game (he does a good job of making KJ Simpson a finisher) ). He's averaging 12.6 points per game, but he's been a little inconsistent at times, hitting just 1.8 points per game while shooting 42.1 percent from 3-point range. Can he show his offensive game against Boise State and beyond? (Game 1 vs. Boise State, Wednesday, March 20, 9:10 a.m. ET, truTV)

Ja'Kobe Walter, 6'5″ wing, Baylor.

The potential is there. He has good size and athleticism for a wing, can shoot on the move, and has a great feel for the game. However, it was inconsistent, and Walter had ups and downs this season. The first round against Colgate may not be Walter's biggest test, but consistency comes into play here — how will Walker play under pressure and bright lights? He is projected as a top 10 player, but can he live up to the hype? (First game, Friday, 3/22, vs. Colgate, 12:40 ET truTV)

Kyle Filipowski, 6'11″ center, Duke.

To me, Filipovski is a perfect example of why this year is considered the year of the downdraft. I'm not criticizing Filipovski, but he's been a good player for the Blue Devils over the stretch, averaging 17.1 points and shooting 35 percent from 3-point range. At times he shows some ease and moves his feet well on defense, but he is best known for using his legs for “travel” (he is best known for using his legs for “travel”) Did you learn that from?).

i like this quote hoopshape michael scott I heard about him from a league executive: “I think Filipovski has a long career as a No. 8 or No. 9. If he starts shooting and knocking down threes like Kelly Olynyk, he's going to be a lot more. I think that's intriguing. Otherwise, if he's a lone five-man who can't shoot, has to play drops, and doesn't have the athleticism, he'll be out of the league pretty quickly. ” Filipovsky summed up the draft to me. Because despite all the doubts and limitations on him at the next level, this player will be in the top 10 come June. It's that kind of year. (First game, Friday, March 22, vs. Vermont, 7:10 p.m. ET, CBS.)

Reid Shepard, 6'2″ guard, Kentucky

Scouts are divided on Shepard, and he's likely to be a late pick, so we'll have to wait and see for ourselves. He's a rising prospect, and his biggest strength may be that he's a playmaker on the defensive end. He averages 2.5 steals and nearly a block per game despite not having much size or length (6-foot-3 wingspan). He's a Wildcat player. “He's our best defender, shooting 52.5 percent from 3-point range this season with an incredibly quick release. He and the Wildcats' other lottery player, Rob Dillingham, are coming off the bench. Here's why. … Calipari. His minutes are limited at times, but Shepard's play has been great.” He's been outstanding, averaging 12.8 points and 3.9 assists per game.

From an NBA perspective, his issues are size and length. He is 6 feet 2 inches tall with an average wingspan and no outstanding athletic ability. Some scouts aren't sure he can take everything he does in college to the next level. Plus, he's tasked with playing point in the NBA, and while there's not much evidence of how he'll perform in that role, I'm sure some team will take a chance on him. (Game 1, Thursday, 3/21 vs. Oakland, 7:10 p.m. ET, CBS)

Stephon Castle, 6'6″ guard, U.C.

It may be difficult to parse exactly how well Castle is playing on a loaded Huskies team looking to win back-to-back NBA championships, but most boards list him as a mid-first-round pick. looks like. The freshman shows great potential defensively, and his size and lateral quickness make him a switchable defender. He plays with a high motor. The question the team has about Castle, and what fans should be looking at, is how ready his offensive game is for the next level. He's averaging 10.8 points per game, but teams are being cautious because he's shooting 28.1 percent from three in low volume. How long will it take for his game to be NBA-ready? This is a plus play, but could be a smart choice in this draft. Good tournaments will help increase your castle's stock. (First game, Friday, 3/22, vs. Stetson, 2:45 ET, CBS)

Dalton Knecht, 6'7″ forward, Tennessee

One of the tried-and-true rules of thumb in the NBA Draft is to take the best shooter on the board. Knecht, a senior, could be that man this year. After two years in Northern Colorado, Knecht transferred to Tennessee and is averaging 21.1 points per game on 39.7 percent from three on 6.2 attempts per game. This is an even more impressive number considering he's the guy at the top of every team's scouting report. team. Additionally, his numbers went up in SEC games. There are questions about his athleticism and next-level defense, but there's no question he'll take the best shooter on the board. Watching Volante play, it's easy to see why scouts think he has a future in the league. (First game, Thursday, March 21, vs. St. Peter's, 9:20 a.m. ET, TNT)

Kevin McCuller, 6'7″ wing, Kansas State

Two of Kansas' stars, McCuller and fellow wing player Johnny Furphy (6'9″), could help make a difference in this tournament. McCuller is a 23-year-old fifth-year player. , may fall under the category of “older players.” This draft is a player who falls into the “solid player who can step in and help right away” category, who can score points (18.3 points per game) and is developing as a playmaker (4.1 points per night). assist). The question is whether he can shoot enough. He's only hitting 33.3% from three this season, but how much can the team expect to improve in that regard at his age? Showing he can shoot even a little in the tournament will help McCuller's cause. It will help.

As for Furphy, he is younger (19 years old) and a rising star. He's a project at the NBA level, but in addition to his size and athleticism, he's improved his shooting (35.4% from 3-on-3). Another player whose good games under the bright lights of the tournament helped his cause. (Game 1, Thursday, March 21st, vs. Sanford, TBS 9:55)

Eve Missi, 7'0″ center, Baylor

Missi is a bit of a project at the NBA level, but his skill set has a clear role to play. He's going to be a rim-running big who can roll hard to the rim (or operate from the dunker spot) and finish arrays – oh, plus he can protect the rim and defend a bit in space. What has impressed the team is Missi's continued growth and improvement. Can he continue that and show improvement against Colgate and even in the tournament beyond? That could help his draft stock rise. (First game, Friday, 3/22, vs. Colgate, 12:40 truTV)

Tyler Kolek, 6'3″ guard, Marquette

The trend among competing NBA teams with expensive rosters (those trying to navigate the new CBA and their aprons) to draft older players who can hit the ground running and play a role right away on their rookie contracts. is increasing. Kolek has developed into one of the best shooters in the draft (40.4% from three this season), is an excellent passer (7.6 assists per game) and has a high IQ. He has a role as a shooter in the league, but the question is whether he has the speed and athleticism to defend at the next level. The increased level of talent he and Marquette will be facing in the tournament will allow him to show scouts that he can be effective on that end of the court. (First game, Friday, 3/22, vs. Western Kentucky, 2 ET, TBS.)

Terrence Shannon Jr., 6'6″ guard/wing, Illinois

Similar to Kolek on the market, Terrence Shannon could be an older player who can be helped now that playoff teams playing against the tax apron would prefer as he is affordable and can be helped right away ( He is likely to be a second-round pick if selected). Shannon is older at 23 years old, but has an NBA-ready body, NBA athleticism, and the ability to go 1-3.

However, he has two big question marks. One is his shot on the court. That's a long-term issue he can solve in the tournament, but he's been solid this season (36.2% from 3 games). The bigger concern, and what will keep the team away from him until it's resolved, is a September 2023 rape charge in Kansas that has yet to go to trial. No team will (or should) approach him unless he is cleared of these charges (many teams will balk even if he is cleared in court) . He may end up going undrafted because of this, but teams will be taking note. (First game, Thursday, March 21st, vs. Morehead State, 3:10 p.m. ET, truTV)